You’re tired of how your house looks and have decided to do a house makeover, but don’t know how to execute all the amazing home remodeling ideas that you have. Home remodeling can be hectic or blissful, depending on the effort you put into planning. Whether it is a whole house remodel, some room additions, or basement remodeling, you’re going to need expert advice to help you plan and organize your home renovation. Our professionals at Quality House LLC have created a comprehensive checklist to help you do just that.
Key Factors To Consider Before You Rush Into Your Next Remodel:
Home improvement projects can be quite exciting, but before we move on to the checklist, you must consider some important factors before deciding how to plan for your home remodeling and design. These factors are crucial for the seamless execution of all your exterior and interior remodeling dreams.
What’s the rush? Take a look at these factors before starting your next home remodeling project:
- Consider the size of your budget.
- Consider the condition of your property.
- Consider your end goal; Are you doing this for a better resale or to better suit your lifestyle?
The Ultimate Checklist For Your Next Renovation Project:
Whether you’re turning a historic building into your dream house or flipping a house, renovating your house can be very overwhelming, which is why taking enough time to organize and plan your steps for the next few months can save you a lot of time and worry.
Take a look at our expert checklist for a seamless home remodeling project:
Step # 1: Making the blueprint:
Around 6-12 months before you start your home remodeling project, you need to decide on your end goal. You’ll be deciding which rooms to renovate and which ones not to renovate. You’ll also need a list of steps you’ll be DIYing and another list of services for which you’ll hire residential renovation services. Don’t forget to look up design inspirations for your remodeling contractors.
Step # 2: Will you need a permit?
Around the same time, you’ll also have to explore your local regulations and determine if any of your renovation goals require a permit from the city officials. While straightforward kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovations don’t usually require permits, something unorthodox like turning your garage into a room may need one.
Step # 3: Prioritise according to your budget:
You’ll need to set an estimate of all your costs for permits, labor, cosmetic touches, and building materials according to your budget. If your expenses are exceeding your budget, revisit step 1 and eliminate low-priority goals from your interior or exterior home upgrade. You can seek help from remodeling contractors by requesting estimates.
Step # 4: Hiring the professionals:
Almost a year before the renovation, you should have set your budget and made a remodeling plan. So the next step is to reach out to contractors. You can get referrals from friends and family. Choose your contractors based on:
- Years of experience.
- Contracting license.
- Liability insurance.
- Reference calls.
- Payment terms.
Step # 5: What comes first?
Whether you’re looking for modern home upgrades or a traditional look, you’ll need to set the order of your home remodeling process. This step needs to be done 2-3 months before the start date. It is recommended to tackle large-scale, messy renovations before the minor details.
We’ve created a sample game plan to help you organize your exterior and interior renovations:
a. Utilities first:
Before any major changes, make sure your electrical lines, plumbing, and HVAC are in place. If you plan on doing any room additions, it’s crucial to add any necessary utilities before starting the addition project to avoid backtracking.
b. Now for the larger ones:
Doing time-consuming and large projects first will save you time along the way. So, if you want to change your original floor plan, work on that first. If there aren’t any major upgrades on your wish list, start with the room you spend the most time in.
c. Smaller projects & finishing touches:
Tackling small remodels and installing new lighting fixtures should come after the larger plans. Once your fixtures and appliances are installed, you can move towards decorating your home by choosing paint colors and adding curtains, etc.
Step # 6: Making a timeline that works:
Choose a starting date for your home remodeling project next. If you have an end date in mind, work your way backward from there. Your contractors can help you determine how long each part of the process will take and which mini-projects can be completed simultaneously.
Your timeline should be flexible enough to incorporate:
- Time for shipping and delivery of materials.
- Any holidays that the contractor might take off.
- A few days for each step in case of unexpected issues.
- Time to clean out the project area.
Step # 7: Being prepared for sudden problems:
Don’t let your passion fade if any of your remodeling plans go awry. Be ready to allot a few extra days and some budget in case of unexpected issues. This will help you be less stressed when you face that problem.
Some common renovation problems that you need to be prepared for:
- Foundational damage or cracks in your house.
- Leaks, floods, or any other kind of water damage.
- Outdated electrical work that can’t handle the power load of modern appliances.
Step # 8: Planning for the cleaning:
Don’t forget to factor the cost of getting rid of all the waste and debris into your budget. Discuss these plans with your contractor before hiring them. There are several methods you can use to remove the junk:
- Rent one or more roll-off dumpsters and get a staggered delivery.
- For smaller projects, get dumpster bags and let the manufacturer pick them from your curb.
Step # 9: Getting ready for the renovation:
After you’ve made a plan 2-3 months in advance, it is time to pack up for 1-2 weeks before your start date. Each room in your house needs to be prepared before the renovation starts. Consider moving out if you’re remodeling the entire house in one fell swoop.
Some preparation tips for different rooms in your house are:
- Make a temporary cooking place if you’re considering kitchen remodeling, and clean out your pantry and refrigerator.
- Make new sleeping arrangements when renovating your bedroom and pack away clothes you don’t plan to wear anytime soon.
- Schedule a routine for each family member to avoid traffic jams and condense the number of products you use during the bathroom renovation.
Conclusion:
While not all of these steps are going to be relevant to everybody, they certainly detail a comprehensive outline of all the major steps you should consider when planning for your next home remodeling project. Feel free to alter this checklist as per your needs or get help from a professional contractor to make your next renovation much more streamlined.
FAQs:
Do I install the flooring or the toilet first?
First, do the flooring, then install the toilet.
What is the difference between renovation and remodeling?
Remodels include large changes, while renovations are quick projects.
What comes first in remodeling?
Addressing structural and foundational issues.
What is basic renovation?
Purchasing a property at a low cost due to its lack of repair and functionality, and bringing it up to a regular living standard.
What is considered a finished basement?
It includes a completed living space with windows, flooring, painted walls/ceilings, plumbing, and electrical utilities.
